Cato van Dijck from the Amsterdam-New Zealand trio tells Big Issue North about her out of body experience while playing on top of a crystal mountain. She’s hoping to stay present for their show at Manchester’s Deaf Institute, 5 April.
What informs your music and songwriting?
Oh, a number of things: spirituality, political activism, yoga, folklore, shamanism, blues, sex, feminism, organic tea, seafood and champagne.
How have you evolved as a band over the years?
We started out as a psychedelic soul/blues band. Somehow we evolved into more of a psychedelic trance band, probably due to playing fests and parties over the years where you have to compete with sound systems in EDM tents.
What are you up to at the moment artistically?
We’ve just released our new album Prehistoric Rhythm so most of our artistic endeavours are focussed on getting to perform the new music live. A lot of themes on the album revolve around ancient rituals and tribal gatherings and the purpose of rhythm and drum circles in those rituals. There is a story you have to discover and continually reinvent. This involves putting a show together with visuals and lights that is theatrical and engaging but also that is going to rock. You have to try and connect with the audience on all sensitory levels. It’s always a challenge to get every aspect right. For instance, delving into artwork and brainstorming together for video ideas that convey the story you are trying to tell is another aspect. People need a visual representation of what you re about.
What’s on your rider?
Beer and healthy snacks like celery and hummus. And not to forget Japanese whisky. In future we’d like to add fresh sage and organic pot. And orange coconuts. Those are the best coconuts. Very rare.
Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
Once I had an out of body experience whilst performing at a festival in New Zealand called Luminate which is set on top of a crystal mountain. I was repeating a phrase of a song for a long time with my eyes closed. I felt very light and that I was moving above the stage, levitating. When I opened my eyes I looked down and saw myself on stage. Time was moving slowly or seemed to stand still even. Then I heard a roar from the crowd and everything around me rushed into focus. And then I played on whilst hysterically laughing. That was a good night.
What song do you wish you’d written?
Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix, or anything else from that album. We’ll probably cover the title track at some stage. Definitely a sexy song to sing.
What’s your worst lyric?
“Fuck dancing lets fuck” from our song Shameless. Actually, at the same time, it’s also our best lyric.
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